12th C. Pre-Contact Yupik Bone Comb w/ Whale Tail Form

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Yupik peoples, Thule period, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. A hand carved caribou or walrus bone comb that is shaped as a whale tail. The fins have a central notch and the tail tapers inward to the body. Incised lines crisscross this area and add some nice texture to the handle. The wide end contains the 13 tines for combing. Whale effigy combs were important in ensuring a successful hunt. The wife of the hunting party's leader could not wash or comb her hair until the hunters returned, but she might wear the comb to keep her unkempt hair out of her eyes. Size: 4.25" L x 2" W (10.8 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#166459
Condition Report: Natural ossification and surface pitting. Bone shows nice signs of age, with scattered mica flecks on the surface. Dark brown and yellow patina. Intact and excellent.